Manitowoc Published 06-24-16, Control # 241-01 3-91
2250 OPERATOR MANUAL OPERATING CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PREPARATION FOR COLD WEATHER
Crane Limitations
The static load carrying limitations of the steels used in
Manitowoc cranes are not affected by cold weather.
Therefore, Manitowoc Cranes’ standard capacity charts are
acceptable for use in cold weather.
In cold weather, dynamic loads (impact and shock) can affect
the steels used in Manitowoc cranes. Dynamic loads are
created by traveling, sudden application and release of load,
and duty-cycle operations (dragline, clamshell, magnet,
container handling, concrete bucket placement).
To prevent possible damage to the crane and its attachment
when operating during cold weather, Manitowoc Cranes
recommends the following:
• -21°C (-5°F) to -30°C (-22°F)—Avoid impact or shock
loading of crane and attachment. Operations involving
hydraulic cranes should be conducted with due regard to
potential failure of hydraulic components. For critical
lifts, the crane should be derated 25%.
• -31°C (-23°F) to -40°C (-40°F)—Derate the crane by
40% for all lift operations. Halting all lifts should be
considered. Duty-cycle operation is prohibited.
• Below -40°C (-40°F)—All operation (lift and duty cycle)
is prohibited except in extreme emergencies, and then
only with approval from a competent engineer who has
derated the crane accordingly.
Wire Rope
The wire rope manufacturers indicate that wire rope will not
become brittle in temperatures down to -34°C (-30°F).
Lubrication may be a problem, however. During extremely
cold weather, normal wire rope lubricants may harden and
chip off, leaving the rope unlubricated. Consult your wire
rope supplier for recommended cold–weather lubricants.
Cold Weather Starting Aid
Engine startup at temperatures below 4°C (40°F) requires
the use of a cold-weather starting aid.
Coolant and Oil Pan Heaters
240 V coolant and oil pan heaters can be installed in the
engine. The heaters utilize an electric heating element to
heat the coolant and oil inside the engine when the crane is
idle. Each heater is equipped with an extension cord for
connection to an owner-furnished electric power supply. The
coolant heater must be capable of maintaining the engine’s
coolant and oil temperatures between 4°C and 10°C (40°F
and 50°F). Contact the nearest engine dealer for availability
and installation of the heaters.
NOTE: Engine heaters must be unplugged when the
engine is running to prevent the cooling system
from overheating.
Cooling System
The cooling system must be kept full and be protected from
freezing at the lowest expected ambient temperature. See
the engine manual for antifreeze recommendations.
Be aware that a mixture of 40% antifreeze and 60% water
will provide freeze protection to -37°C (-35°F). A mixture of
60% antifreeze and 40% water will provide freeze protection
to approximately -51°C (-60°F). 100% antifreeze will freeze
at -23°C (-10°F).
Battery
To provide maximum cranking power and to prevent the
battery from freezing, it must be kept fully charged (1.26 to
1.28 specific gravity) and warm when the crane is idle during
cold weather.
It is recommended that the battery be stored indoors or
heated with a battery heater when the crane is idle.
NOTE: The battery box is equipped with two 75 W heated
battery pads to keep the batteries 17°C (30°F)
warmer than the ambient air temperature.
Be aware of the following:
• A battery with a 50% charge freezes at -27°C (-16°F). A
battery with a 100% charge freezes at -57°C (-70°F).
• A battery with a 100% charge retains only 40% of its
cranking power at -18°C (0°F). At -29°C (-20°F), the
same battery retains only 18% of its cranking power.
Engine Oil
See the engine manufacturer’s manual for more information
and recommendations.
Fuel Oil
See the engine manufacturer’s manual for more information
and recommendations.
DANGER
Engine Explosion Hazard!
Avoid the possibility of death or serious injury.
The crane engine has an air intake pre-heater. The pre-
heater will ignite a combustible starting aid (ether) if used,
resulting in a severe explosion and/or burns.
Do not spray any combustible starting aid (ether) into the
air intake.
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